IAA SPOTLIGHT: GET TO KNOW – G SMOOTH – KANSAS’ HOTTEST STAR!

Midwest emcee Gary “G-SMOOTH” Adams was born in KCMO and raised in Kansas. Being born in the early 80’s as a child of hip-hop, G-SMOOTH quickly caught on to the culture. It wasn’t until he reached his early teens that G-SMOOTH decided to pick up the pen and begin his journey as an emcee. By doing shows around his city in the mid 90’s with numerous artists, G-SMOOTH’s love for the stage strengthened. In 2002 he released his first solo project “ILL STATUS” and followed that with his next release “LYRICAL MINDSTATE” in 2004. In the same year, G-SMOOTH linked with his cousin on the West Coast Kavio and was plugged in with a couple of major artists. In 2008, with demo copies of his STREET DEMO/UPLIFT MIX-TAPE, they hit the road; networking and pushing the CD through 28 cities nationwide. In 2009 following the release of his full length “UPLIFT” mix-tape, G-SMOOTH hooked up with West Coast legend Brotha Lynch Hung, appearing on his 2010 album “Dinner And A Movie” and in one of Tech N9ne’s biggest videos, “Leave Me Alone.” The years that followed were filled with countless shows and features on projects from artists around the nation. In 2012, G-SMOOTH was voted Best Hip-Hop Artist in the Kansas City Entertainment Awards. This was followed by another feature on Brotha Lynch Hung’s album “MANNIBALECTOR.” Now with the release of his latest project “UPLIFT VOL.2,” G-SMOOTH has hit the road once again to deliver more positive music to the people. You may have caught him in select cities this year on the Strange Music Independent Powerhouse Tour and the Something Else Tour this year, pushing UPLIFT VOL. 1&2. With certain eyes in the industry focusing towards him, G-SMOOTH knows that it’s GO TIME!

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What city and state are you from?

G SMOOTH:I’m from Olathe, Kansas (the Kansas City Metro area).

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What is your music background?

G SMOOTH: I started out on the turntables before I started writing because I wanted to be a DJ. I’ve also played drums and the cello a little bit through school.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Why do you want to record and release your own music?

G SMOOTH:I feel that the impression I’ve made on people musically has played a HUGE part in me continuing to create music. Music means so much to me and I know that it has played a big part in others’ lives as well. With my music I would like to be a contributor in helping people get through rough times, just like certain songs and albums got me through some of my own serious times.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are your songs about?

G SMOOTH:My songs vary with different topics but they are all positive and uplifting. Whether it’s about living right and dodging the system to stay out of trouble or feel good party music, it is music that encourages people to live life and enjoy every second yet be safe at the same time.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Who are your music influences?

G SMOOTH: My influences are from 80’s and 90’s hip-hop artists like: Outkast, 2Pac, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, E-40, Busta Rhymes, Wu-Tang Clan, Tech N9NE, and many other artists in hip-hop, as well as other genres of music.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: How would you describe your music to people?

G SMOOTH: I would describe it as GREAT, positive hip-hop music…something you can listen to around kids and older generations. It is feel good music for EVERYBODY.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What makes you stand out from other artists?

G SMOOTH: My live performance is one to compete with, no matter who you are. I try to give the fans and people what they paid for and what they came to see, which is a good show. This plus the content of my music is usually different from the other performers I share stages with.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in your music career and how did you overcome?

G SMOOTH: With me being from Kansas City there is not much of a musical outlet here like many other places. Being from the middle and having to work my way from coast to coast while fresh out of high school was hard. All of this while having a child who was born right after I graduated and being away from my child at times all to pursue my career was challenging. This has been overcome now that she is older and understands as more opportunities come my way. I feel that it was worth the challenge both as a man and an artist.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are some upcoming projects you are currently working on?

G SMOOTH:I just finished releasing “UPLIFT vol. 2” (AVAILABLE NOW!!!). My next project (still untitled) is being worked on as well as the Hog Potnaz Music Group. I am also working on